When it comes to exploring the Alentejo region, you can’t miss the capital of Évora. Only about an hour or so away from Lisbon, Évora is a charming, historic town well worth a visit. I just returned from spending a few nights exploring, and have to tell you all about it.
Évora, Portugal has all the quintessential beauty. Cobbled streets tucked behind fortress walls, historic sights, and incredible dining make this UNESCO World Heritage Site (yes the town itself!) a must-visit. I found myself wishing I could have spent a bit more time in this part of Portugal as it is so lovely. I’d recommend carving out 2-3 nights, making Évora your home base to explore the towns and central valley of Alentejo.
Known for its rich history that dates back more than two millennia, Évora is marked by Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese influences. You see all of this in the well-preserved Old Town, Roman Temple, and medieval walls. The city flourished during the 15th century as a center of learning and the arts under the patronage of the Portuguese kings, becoming a symbol of the Golden Age of Portugal.
Today, an invitation to visit the historic city and all that it has to offer — a booming hotel scene, memorable dining, and a stunning Portuguese landscape. Here’s your guide to visiting Évora and a few things nearby not to miss.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Évora:
- Octant Évora, for the best overall hotel
- Imani Country House, for an agritourism stay set in the countryside
- Convento do Espinheiro, for a charming historic stay
- L’AND Vineyards, for a winery stay outside of town
If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, don’t miss my Alentejo travel guide, 10-day Portugal itinerary, and guide to the best places to visit in Portugal. If you’re heading to Lisbon, see my Lisbon city guide, 3-day Lisbon itinerary, and recommendations for where to stay in Lisbon and the best Lisbon restaurants. I also have guides to the best Comporta hotels, and Monsaraz!
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Portugal is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Portugal is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Évora, Portugal Travel Guide
What to Know Before Visiting
How Many Days in Évora?
While many people take only a day trip from Lisbon, I can’t recommend it more to spend a few days visiting the region. Évora makes for a wonderful base for exploring the valley of Alentejo, I would opt for 2-3 nights. From there, extend your itinerary out to the coastal beach town of Comporta for time by the sea.
Do I Need a Car to Visit Évora?
To visit the town of Évora itself, you will not need a car. But to properly visit the region and wineries, you will need one. I would recommend renting a car at Lisbon Airport and doing the drive on your own. I used Discover Cars, took full insurance, and booked with one of the higher-rated agencies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
How Do I Get to Évora?
A few options are to either take the train from Lisbon (1.5 hours), rent a car in Lisbon and drive (1.5-hour drive), or consider joining a guided tour from Lisbon. I would recommend spending a few nights in the region with a rental car. I use Discover Cars to find the best rental deals.
How is the Driving in Évora Portugal?
In the town itself, it is absolute chaos in terms of navigating the narrow streets. I would recommend parking at one of the designated lots on the outside of the city walls and walking in for ease. Once you walk in, everything is very close on foot. Driving in the region in general is very easygoing and relaxed.
The Best Hotels in Évora
Octant Évora
While visiting Évora, I had the chance to stay at the Octant Hotel Group’s latest hotel in Évora with Kiwi Collection. Booked in and with a complimentary upgrade on arrival (perks of booking with Kiwi Collection), I stayed two nights in the garden & pool terrace room. The modern design of the property set in the countryside is lovely.
Octant Évora is around a 15-minute drive from Évora, and the location is idyllic. Immersed on a large property surrounded by vast olive-tree-speckled plains, it’s a welcomed escape. On-site, you have a pool, three dipping pools, a garden, a spa, and their restaurant À Terra featuring local gastronomy.
Whether you choose one of the 56 rooms or the 16 villas (perfect for families), this is where to stay in Évora for exploring the greater Alentejo region. Take full advantage of their offerings, their kid-friendly programming, and serene setting. Book with Kiwi Collection here.
Other Hotels to Consider:
- Imani Country House, for an agritourism stay set in the countryside
- Convento do Espinheiro, for a charming historic stay
- L’AND Vineyards, for a winery stay outside of town
The Best Restaurants in Évora
Restaurante Botequim da Mouraria
If you eat one place in Évora, let it be Botequim da Mouraria. It’s an 8-person bar restaurant, where you sit at the counter and are served by the owner himself. Local products and dishes are the highlight here, it was hands down my favorite meal of the trip.
Fialho
If you’re looking for traditional Alentejo cuisine, Fialho is the spot to go. It runs on the more touristic side but is still an amazing historic restaurant. The stars here are classics like borrego assado (roasted lamb) and whatever appetizers are on your table when you arrive. *Reservation required
Dom Joaquim
On this year’s Michelin Guide, don’t miss Dom Joaquim for traditional and local dishes. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in town for good reason. *Reservation required
Cavalariça Évora
Cavalariça group opened up their location in Évora, don’t miss it while in town. The food is sophisticated and elegant, all to be enjoyed in an art-deco space.
Other Restaurants Saved:
- Origens, for elevated cuisine
- Páteo, for classic dishes
- Enoteca Cartuxa, for a one of the top local favorites
- Pastelaria Conventual Pão de Rala, for classic pasteries
The Best Things to Do in Évora
See the Historic Sights in Town
There is no shortage of historical sights to visit in Évora. Begin at the Roman Temple of Évora (Temple Romano), often referred to as the Temple of Diana. It is a well-preserved landmark that showcases the city’s ancient Roman architectural prowess and cultural heritage.
The Chapel of Bones, or “Capela dos Ossos,” is a hauntingly beautiful and eerie site. Constructed in the 17th century by Franciscan monks, the chapel serves as a reflection on the transient nature of human life. Its walls and columns are meticulously lined with the bones and skulls of over 5,000 exhumed bodies from the overcrowded city cemeteries. Above the chapel’s entrance, an ominous inscription reads “Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos,” which translates to “We, the bones that are here, await yours.”
The Cathedral of Évora was one of my favorite visits. You can take the stairs to the rooftop for incredible views. Afterward, go for a walk down in the cloisters that line the interior courtyard.
A few other sights to consider are the 16th-century Aqueduto da Água de Prata which is over 9 kilometers long. And a visit to Museum Frei Manuel do Cenácul in the former Episcopal Palace which has a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and ethnography.
Do Some Local Shopping
In the town of Évora, there are a few local stores to consider popping into like Oxalá or O Cesto Artesanato. Stock up on local olive oils, wines, and ceramics. Another fun store to pop into is Livraria Fonte de Letras, a bookstore that has books in several languages.
Go Wine Tasting at a Local Winery
When it comes to Alentejo, you can’t miss the famous wine route. There are several wineries in the region and close to Évora. On this trip, I visited Fitapreta Vinhos, about 15 minutes outside of town. The setting is stunning, home to several ancient varietals that they only produce today. It’s well worth booking a tasting in advance. Other wineries to consider booking are Ervideira, Adega Mayor, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, and L’AND Vineyards.
Visit Nearby Villages
If you have the time, I’d go for a scenic drive through the region to explore nearby villages. I’d start by going all the way to Monsaraz, a charming medieval village perched atop a hill with stunning views over the Alqueva Dam and the surrounding vineyards. Its well-preserved ancient walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and whitewashed houses offer a picturesque step back in time. In town, you can see the old fortress, and be sure to stop into Casa Tial to shop for local goods.
Another town to stop into is Corval, a small village renowned for its traditional pottery and ceramics industry. Known as one of the most important pottery centers in the country, you can stop into several local ceramicists and shops. I loved Olaria Tavares for their unique designs.
Closer to Évora, I’d pop into Montemor-o-Novo as well for the old streets, a tour of the castle above the village, and historic sights. It’s a perfect quick pitstop on the way to or from Lisbon.
Save This Post for Later on Pinterest
PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
